Two-Plane Road Reconnaissance
Operational Navigation
tracking (limit pulls to 4 G's). Although several techniques may be used to perform the pop-up, all
require both aircraft to maintain sight of the target and each other. Maintain aircraft separation.
Because the wingman is stepped up 1,000 feet, he will normally be above the lead when crossing the
target. You can also maintain separation by delaying roll-in (as wingman) or by altitude differential at
release. Stay above the bottom of the route structure, i.e., minimum recovery altitude for a 10-
degree attack during a road recce is 1,000 feet AGL. Minimum recovery for a 30-degree attack
during a road recce is 3,000 feet AGL. If, for some reason, either aircraft is not in a position to roll in
safely (e.g., dive angle greater than 30 degrees or probable collision course), the pilot should
transmit, "[call sign], high cover," abort his roll-in, and fly to maintain mutual support near his roll-in
altitude. If you decide to change the selected weapon or delivery mode in flight, you make the
change on the air-to-ground stores display. When in manual delivery mode and A/G HUD display,
the mil setting can be changed without having to display the air-to-ground stores display on the MFD.
JINKING
This maneuver is the sudden, rapid displacement of the aircraft's flight path in three axes. This is
used to confuse the enemy and prevent him from getting a good tracking solution, to avoid ground
fire, or to avoid fragmentation patterns and ricochets.
TRACK TARGET
As wings level tracking is accomplished, establish initial pipper placement, check dive angle, altitude,
power setting, and begin to track target. At release altitude with attack solution, "pickle," commence
recovery.
OFF TARGET
Initiate a normal 4-G recovery, call off safe and return to combat spread formation. Note this
recovery differs from the recovery used in the weapons delivery pattern because you do not have to
climb as high. In fact, you may not have to climb at all. Check six when crossing the other aircraft's
flight path and regain mutual support. If a turn is required to put the flight on a new heading, the lead
will make that call off target. When the attack is completed, return to the navigation mode by
depressing the MODE button once.
The art of making an effective road recce attack involves making and understanding clear and
concise communications while aggressively maneuvering the aircraft. You must maneuver your
aircraft to an attack position, execute a dive delivery, and maneuver off target. You must also
communicate your actions and intentions clearly and concisely. The following represents a typical
road recce attack sequence. Nerf is the TACLEAD and Nemo is his wingman.
TACLEAD:
"Nerf's got a target, left side of the road, four miles, water tanks."
TACLEAD:
(If less than three miles from target): "Nemo, get your nose up, I have a target left side
of the road, water tanks."
WINGMAN: "No joy."
TACLEAD:
"Look one mile prior to green field."
WINGMAN: "Tally, visual!"
TACLEAD:
"Nerf's poppin'."
WINGMAN: "Nemo's poppin'."
(4-03) Original
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